Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
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Chapter 355: Didn’t you say I could use inner energy?
“Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s Young Cult Leader!”
Flash of Light and Monster Evil recognized Geom Mugeuk at the same time.
Their first encounter with Geom Mugeuk had left such a strong impression that he was impossible to forget.
“Why are you here?”
They were deeply shocked; they never expected Geom Mugeuk to be in this place.
Flash of Light and Monster Evil's expressions changed in opposite ways. A thread of hope rose in Monster Evil's heart. A new variable had emerged just as he faced death.
On the other hand, Flash of Light looked completely mortified. He had just been about to pin the blame on Monster Evil and kill the Young Leader.
But now, things had escalated to the point where he might have to kill the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult as well. The situation at hand was already far from ordinary, and if the Young Cult Leader ended up dead too, the martial world would be thrown into chaos.
Burning with anxiety over this unforeseen variable, Flash of Light strode over and drank straight from a bottle.
‘How should I handle this?’
He couldn’t decide whether to report this to Hwang Seokgyeong right away, or to deal with it independently. Reporting would take time, and waiting for a reply even more.
But the bigger issue was that his plan had now been exposed to the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.
Flash of Light stared at Geom Mugeuk. From the relaxed look in his eyes, it seemed he was convinced Flash of Light wouldn’t dare kill him. 1
‘Young Cult Leader, this time you’ve picked the wrong opponent.’
He made up his mind on how to handle this troublesome situation.
Looking at Monster Evil, Flash of Light said,
“Hey, at least, you won’t have to bear the guilt of killing the Young Leader.”
Sensing Flash of Light’s true intention, Monster Evil replied coldly.
“You crazy bastard.”
Both he and Flash of Light were villains of the worst kind. He had never trusted people his whole life, yet he did develop a sliver of belief in Flash of Light, with whom he mingled often. He even liked his reticent nature. And that silence had deceived him. He was more furious at himself for feeling sad over such a lie and being fooled than at the one who fooled him.
His martial art, Slashing Iron Body, was a combat style that used the whole body. Without inner energy, it was impossible even to attempt a surprise attack.
What would happen if the Young Cult Leader, the Young Leader, and he all charged in together? Even without inner energy, maybe there was still something they could do?
But he knew better than anyone how fast Flash of Light’s sword was. His own techniques without inner energy would be nothing more than a massage, and the other two’s attacks would look like a child’s swordplay.
Flash of Light's decision was exactly what Monster Evil had expected.
“We’ll make it look like the Young Cult Leader and the Young Leader fought and ended up killing each other.” 2
Geom Mugeuk spoke to Bih Sa-in.
“So, the very thing you were worried about is happening. Us fighting and dying together.”
“Are you really joking in a situation like this?”
“If friends die on the same day, at the same hour, isn’t that meaningful in its own way?”
Bih Sa-in was in no mood to entertain Geom Mugeuk’s humor.
‘Dying like this?’
He had trusted Flash of Light and Monster Evil. That was why he drank without a hint of suspicion. Since they followed the Unorthodox Alliance Leader, he believed he could trust them without question. But thinking back, they were people who had no real connection to him.
Suddenly, Geom Mugeuk’s words came to mind—how he’d told him to truly look at people, properly and closely. Yes, this too was the result of failing to do just that.
What would happen to the Unorthodox Alliance after his death? What about the Alliance Leader? These people had even drawn in Flash of Light—it wouldn’t be easy to deal with them.
Yet, the final concern he had before death wasn’t for himself.
“You must not kill the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. Even if we die, let him go.”
To say such a thing in a moment when he was about to die? Bih Sa-in felt unfamiliar to himself.
“The Young Cult Leader will give you his word. That he will never reveal what happened here. He’s someone of the Demonic Cult’s stature—he wouldn’t break his word lightly.”
When Flash of Light gave no response, Bih Sa-in pleaded with even more desperation.
“Put yourself in his position. This is a matter of the Unorthodox Alliance. It has nothing to do with that man, right? Why would he tarnish his own honor by revealing what happened here? If you kill the Young Cult Leader, the Demonic Cult will come for you. They’ll find you, and they’ll kill you all.”
Bih Sa-in turned to Geom Mugeuk and said,
“Isn’t that right? You tell him.”
Then Geom Mugeuk spoke.
“I’ll tell them.”
“What?”
“He killed you right before my eyes. How could I stay silent? I’ll tell them everything—and I’ll take revenge.”
Bih Sa-in felt exasperated. This Young Cult Leader—this really isn’t the time for jokes. Please, just this once, play along with me in my final moments.
Hiding that inner turmoil, Bih Sa-in tried to calmly persuade Flash of Light.
“The Young Cult Leader is good at saying things he doesn’t mean. Don’t make this any bigger than it already is. Let him go.”
At the same time, Bih Sa-in glanced at Geom Mugeuk, speaking with his eyes.
—I'm not joking. So don’t joke around either.
Of course, Geom Mugeuk wouldn’t be himself if he just obediently went along with that earnest request.
“You, out of everyone I’ve ever met, you look the coolest right now.”
Oh, come on! Bih Sa-in nearly shouted in frustration but held it back. Fine, things have gone this far. Whether he begged or didn’t, it wouldn’t change whether they let him live or killed him.
“If a man trying to save my life isn’t cool, that would be a problem too, wouldn’t it?”
After saying that, Bih Sa-in let out a bitter smile. Even now, at this moment, the man was cracking jokes. Fine, then—better to die while laughing and joking with someone like him. That thought made his heart feel lighter. 3
Geom Mugeuk looked at Flash of Light.
“Look into his eyes.”
Bih Sa-in also followed Geom Mugeuk’s lead and looked into Flash of Light’s eyes. They were cold, revealing no emotion.
“He has no intention of letting me live.”
Of course Bih Sa-in knew that. He just didn’t want to see Geom Mugeuk die along with him.
Bih Sa-in let out a long sigh.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to drag you into this.”
To that, Geom Mugeuk replied,
“That’s your second sigh.”
He wanted to show him a tenth sigh, a hundred sighs. But this was the end, with only two sighs between them.
With Geom Mugeuk by his side, it had felt like they could overcome any crisis. Even this situation—Geom Mugeuk had pushed him forward to take the lead, but deep down, he had relied on him.
But he had forgotten. While marveling at Geom Mugeuk’s incredible abilities and laughing at his jokes, he had forgotten that Geom Mugeuk was also human.
“I’m truly sorry.”
As that apology slipped from his lips like a sigh, Geom Mugeuk smiled.
“There’s no need to be sorry.”
Watching them, Monster Evil spoke bitterly to Flash of Light.
“Even a half-formed, barely ripened friendship like theirs is so heartfelt. What does that make us?” 4
Flash of Light pretended not to hear and said nothing.
This time, Geom Mugeuk addressed Flash of Light.
“You’ll go down in the history of the martial world as a great figure. After all, you’ll have killed the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, the Young Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance, and one of the Seven Great Masters—all in one place.”
Then Monster Evil added a line.
“Make sure the records say we died from Energy Dispersing Poison!”
Flash of Light, as if determined not to waste any more time, began to draw his sword.
Geom Mugeuk quickly asked,
“Before I die, let me ask one thing. Where are the children you abducted?”
“Why do you ask?”
“This whole mess started because of that. Even if I die, I should at least die knowing.”
But even that, Flash of Light didn’t know.
“I don’t know.”
“Then who in the Unorthodox Alliance is the person your respected superior is working with?”
Geom Mugeuk was trying to get something—anything—through him.
But again, Flash of Light shook his head. He really didn’t seem to know.
“You’re nothing but a sword used by Hwang Seokgyeong.” 5
Geom Mugeuk turned to Bih Sa-in and added,
“Someday, this man would have been used as the blade to kill the Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance.”
It was entirely plausible. If he kept gaining trust like this, then at the critical moment, he would strike. Poison, hidden weapons, any method available—if he used them all at once, they could likely assassinate the Alliance Leader. Especially if the Battle King joined in.
And the more concerning scenario was this: with the death of the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, the relationship between the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Alliance would rapidly deteriorate. If misunderstandings built up, war could erupt. In a situation like that, could the truth behind this death be properly revealed? Meanwhile, those responsible would be the ones reaping all the rewards.
Bih Sa-in voiced his frustration to Geom Mugeuk.
“I wish you’d say something like this: ‘Actually, I can use inner energy.’ Say it with a smile, like you always do when you’re joking. If that meant we could survive...”
“If we survive?”
“I’ll gather people and dance.”
He was someone who had never danced in his life. He would rather die than dance in front of people. 6
Was he saying such absurd things because he desperately wanted to live?
He wanted to live. But mostly, he didn’t want to die—not like this, in such a meaningless way.
There were still so many things he had left to do. He hadn’t yet sat on the Dark Tyrant Throne in the Alliance Leader’s Hall. He hadn’t even founded his own path of unorthodoxy. He hadn’t met the woman he would love. He hadn’t even drunk with a friend in front of that tavern near his house... He hadn’t even greeted his friend’s father yet.
Looking at Bih Sa-in, Geom Mugeuk smiled brightly and said,
“Actually, I can use inner energy.”
Bih Sa-in smiled back. His rough, menacing face lit up. Yes, dying with Geom Mugeuk like this—with laughter—somehow felt right.
‘I was glad to be your friend.’
Flash of Light drew his sword and said to Monster Evil,
“Still, we had some bond. I’ll kill you last.”
“We’ve known each other for twenty years and wandered together for eight or nine. Really, what a touching bond we shared.”
Pretending not to hear, Flash of Light walked straight toward Bih Sa-in.
“I hold no grudge against the Young Leader.”
Though his heart pounded faster, Bih Sa-in stood proud. He faced Flash of Light without fear, calmly accepting death.
‘Oh heavens, please protect the Unorthodox Alliance!’
Flash of Light’s sword came flying.
Swaeeeeeeek!
Chaeng!
Bih Sa-in’s eyes flew open.
What stood before him was Geom Mugeuk’s back. In a flash, he had crossed the space and blocked the flying sword with his Black Demon Sword.
“You!”
There was no time to talk.
Flash of Light, who had just clashed swords, immediately unleashed his unique technique—Three Thunder Strikes.
That single block had told Flash of Light everything. If he used any weak or clever trick now, he would simply die. He poured all his inner energy into his exclusive technique.
‘Even with inner energy, the result won’t change!’
How could a human dodge falling lightning? From this distance, if the Three Thunder Strikes were fully unleashed, he was sure he could kill Geom Mugeuk.
Flash!
Ssshhhhh!
The attack was so fast it couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. But even among humans, there were those who could dodge lightning.
‘Even if he dodges one!’
He immediately followed up with the Second Thunder Strike. Sword light flashed, and in an instant, over ten threads of sword aura rained down on Geom Mugeuk.
Chengchengchengchengchengchengchengchengcheng!
But Geom Mugeuk’s Black Demon Sword blocked every attack. If that side was lightning, this side was lightning too.
Flash of Light was shocked, flustered. Until now, only one person had ever blocked the Second Thunder Strike at this distance.
Right—he’s the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, so maybe he could block it. But he wouldn’t be able to stop the final strike of the Three Thunder Strikes.
Just as Flash of Light was about to unleash the Three Thunder Strikes that would sweep through everyone here—
Puk!
The sound of flesh being torn was followed by the abrupt halt of clashing swords.
The sudden silence said it all—the duel had ended in a single move.
Flash of Light’s gaze slowly lowered to his chest.
The Black Demon Sword had pierced straight through him. He couldn’t believe he had missed that attack.
“...Faster than me?”
Flash of Light slowly raised his head to look at Geom Mugeuk.
The clear, deep gaze staring back at him was not the same man who had been joking with Bih Sa-in just moments ago.
Looking into his dimming eyes, Geom Mugeuk spoke coldly.
“The moment you laced the liquor with Energy Dispersing Poison, everything you’d ever done as a martial artist was erased. Now, you’re nothing, no, less than nothing.”
Flash of Light moved his lips as if to say something—
Shiiik! Slice!
Even he wasn’t an exception. The Black Demon Sword, pulled from his chest, swung once and severed his neck.
Thud.
Just like that, Flash of Light—one of the Seven Great Masters of the Unorthodox Alliance, and a master of swift swordsmanship—was dead without leaving a single word behind.
With a crisp flick of his sword to shake off the blood, Geom Mugeuk turned to Bih Sa-in and grinned.
“Told you I could use inner energy, didn’t I?”
A shiver ran through Bih Sa-in’s body, mingled with the overwhelming joy of surviving. It felt like the gates of Hell had slowly opened beneath his feet, only to be slammed back shut once again in less than a second.
“How... did you do it?”
“Must be that Energy Dispersing Poison didn’t sit well with my constitution.”
Ah! Just how long did this man plan to keep surprising people like this?
“How far do you plan to drag me along?”
“I told you already—just get dragged along comfortably, watch the stars, look at the clouds. One day you’ll think, ‘Those were the good times’. And when I get tired, you can drag me for a while.”
Their eyes met in the air.
Bih Sa-in didn’t say thank you. They’d agreed to settle all debts of gratitude at the end. Now his thanks even included a debt of life. Could that ever be repaid?
But Bih Sa-in wasn’t the only one stunned. Monster Evil stared blankly at Flash of Light’s corpse.
He was shocked by Geom Mugeuk’s skill. That the Energy Dispersing Poison hadn’t worked was one thing—but he had blocked every attack from that close range. And then killed him with even faster swift swordsmanship.
Even if Swift Sword Technique wasn’t Geom Mugeuk’s personal art, he had still defeated Flash of Light with pure fundamentals, only blocking attacks before stabbing once.
‘He’s far stronger than any of us!’
He had known the Young Cult Leader was special—but he never imagined he’d be this powerful.
With a formal fist-and-palm salute, Monster Evil expressed his gratitude to Geom Mugeuk.
“Young Cult Leader, I owe you my life. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
“I will. And I’m counting on you to look after my friend.”
As he spoke, he looked toward Bih Sa-in. Though it seemed like a polite request, it was really a warning to Monster Evil—not to treat Bih Sa-in carelessly.
Monster Evil looked over at Bih Sa-in. The two exchanged a conversation through their eyes.
—How on earth did you end up becoming friends with someone like that?
—I don’t know either. When I came to, I was already his friend.
The three of them stepped out of the building together.
“By the way, when are you planning to keep your promise?”
“What promise?”
“The one where you said you’d dance in front of everyone if we survived. I’m reserving the front row.”
“When did I ever make such a promise?” 6
Bih Sa-in flatly denied it.
“Sorry, but we have a witness.”
Geom Mugeuk turned to Monster Evil.
“You heard the Young Leader make that promise, didn’t you?”
Monster Evil looked between Geom Mugeuk and Bih Sa-in. It was already obvious whose side he would take.
“What promise? I don’t remember hearing anything like that.”
“Thinking about it, you’re more likely to run into the Young Leader than me.”
Monster Evil chuckled awkwardly and quickly changed the subject.
“A mere instructor aiming for the Unorthodox Alliance Leader’s seat? Come on, let’s go. You know we can’t stand to see someone else doing well.”
1 : Nah, he’s just gaslighting you into trying to kill him now, only to flex his complete poison immunity at the most critical moment XDXDXD
2 : Anyone who know their relationship would know it’s framing XDXDXD
3 : True, better to die in a laugh than full of despair, helplessness and resentment.
4 : Even an evil person like him can keep his loyalty, and feel painful regrets over a false friendship. The person who instead guiltlessly betrays such important relationships is definitely a true evil.
5 : A blind tool, eager to please, deliberately ignoring that he will be discarded after it is used. A great fool.
6 : Welp, F to you then, because you can be sure Mugeuk will tease you with it for a long time XDXDXD
7 : Heh, coward ^^ Than again it wouldn’t be as funny if you were too uncomfortable, so we’ll let it slide this time.